From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Israel has destroyed 70 air defense batteries in Iran so far, says IDF
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Israeli Air Force has destroyed 70 Iranian air defense batteries since the start of the IDF’s operation in Iran, according to the military.
In the first 24 hours of the operation early Friday, over 40 Iranian air defense systems were struck, according to the IDF, giving the IAF air supremacy over western Iran and Tehran.
Since then, another 30 systems have been targeted in waves of strikes, opening up a path for IAF fighter jets and drones to operate deeper within Iran, the military says.
The military says IAF drones continue to hunt down surface-to-air missile launchers and radars across the country.
Footage released by the IDF on June 17, 2025, shows a strike on an Iranian air defense system. (Israel Defense Forces)
IAF chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar says the strikes on the Iranian air defense systems are “a historic mission that could change the entire course of the campaign.”
The Times of Israel Community.